The Rockies by Rail

Scroll down for an insider’s view.

Guests of Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer explore the Rockies in an immersive way that only rail travel can offer. Those who've had the pleasure of experiencing their journeys to Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise say that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The experience often starts the night before your journey, as advance rail check-ins are available upon arrival at your hotel. At the Vancouver station the next morning, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of a live piano performance, and, following the call of “All Aboard!”, you will be welcomed onto the train by hosts, train managers and Rocky Mountaineer’s resident bagpiper.

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To ensure that you will truly see it all, Rocky Mountaineer coaches are specially designed to provide expansive views. Oversized or glass-dome windows ensure that there are ample opportunities to soak up every mountain vista and to spot wildlife from the comfort of your seat.

"I had never seen the Rockies before and I wanted my first time experiencing them to be with Rocky Mountaineer. I loved the trip from start to finish. I was so impressed by the onboard staff and the fantastic meals. And, of course, the beauty of Rockies far surpassed my expectations."

- Brian Douglas, illustrator from Paris, Ont.

Choose the train’s GoldLeaf Service and travel in bi-level, glass-dome coaches with dining on the upper level and seating on the lower level. At meal time, you’ll settle into luxurious banquettes and tables dressed in white linen and elegant tableware.

Fine regional cuisine and exemplary service are hallmarks of the Rocky Mountaineer experience. In GoldLeaf Service, choose from regionally inspired menu items, including grilled salmon, roasted pork loin and Alberta beef short ribs. In SilverLeaf Service, similar gourmet meals and snacks are served at your seat.

And what better way to enhance a delicious meal than with a glass of British Columbia wine to complement your meals and journey. Sip a glass of Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc from the Okanagan Valley while you nibble on a selection of gourmet snacks, including cheese and nuts, fresh-baked scones and cookies.

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Seats in both coaches are spacious, comfortable and designed to help you relax as you peer out at the views, enjoy quality time with your travel partner, or get to know other guests from around the world.

Travelling with Rocky Mountaineer means that if you’ve booked a package that includes your hotel, your bags during the rail part of your journey are sent on ahead and are waiting in your room upon arrival.

The train travels at a “picture perfect speed” of about 50 kph (30mph), so you’ll never miss a highlight. Rocky Mountaineer hosts know the nuances of their routes intimately and can offer expert tips on how and when to take the best photographs. They often alert guests about not-to-be-missed spots along the route.

Be on the lookout for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, eagles, osprey and even bears from the train – there’s a good chance you’ll see them. Train managers and hosts stay in touch with each other, so if one sees any wildlife, they will quickly let hosts in other coaches know.

Each of the four Rocky Mountaineer routes holds its own special appeal, and features different highlights along the way. Onboard hosts are skilled storytellers who enrich the experience for guests by recounting the Rockiesʼ fascinating history as well as the technical information that railfans love.

Guests travelling in GoldLeaf Service can take advantage of the coaches’ outdoor viewing platforms to take photos of the remarkable scenery or just breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Isn’t it time you explored Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies by rail?

Rocky Mountaineer travels across four routes through the Pacific Northwest and into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Its GoldLeaf Service, launched in 1995, features bi-level, glass-dome coaches with stunning panoramic views on the upper level and a dining room and outdoor viewing platform on the lower level. SilverLeaf Service features oversized windows, delicious meals served at your seat, and the same impeccable service and astounding views.